Dispersed camping opportunities surround Broomfield, Colorado at elevations ranging from 5,800 to 9,000 feet throughout the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests. Weather patterns in this region transition quickly, with summer thunderstorms common between noon and 3 pm, and overnight temperatures dropping 30-40 degrees below daytime highs. Roads accessing most primitive sites deteriorate significantly after rainfall, even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking and fishing access: N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping offers trails directly from campsites. "Very secluded, easy to access. I saw about 10 different pull in sites, maybe more. Never found a creek or water but there are some cute cows nearby! Wildflowers were crazy 7/3/23," notes Kristen M.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Hermit Park provides dedicated wildlife viewing areas with moose sightings common near dawn. Wade R. mentions, "Not far outside of Estes Park, but far enough up the side of a mountain to enjoy the wilderness. Moose and black bear apparently frequent but haven't caused any problems."
Early morning stargazing: From Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, night skies offer exceptional viewing before the 5:30 am summer sunrise. One camper reported, "The stars were AMAZING and the sky was perfectly clear. Lots of firewood around—we brought our hand saw and cut enough felled wood to last until around 4am."
What campers like
Proximity to towns: Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area sits just 20 minutes from Nederland, offering quick access to supplies. A camper noted, "Nederland is close enough to run into town if needed."
Creek-side sites: Many campers at Allenspark Dispersed Camping mention the running water as a highlight. "Beautiful, secluded and right next to a creek... Very easy to find and spacious," writes Renee, though she warns about proper food storage after a bear encounter.
Privacy between sites: Sawmill Hiker Campground requires a permit and one-mile hike but rewards with separated sites. Jessica K. explains, "The campsites are well maintained and quite spread out from one another. So although there was a group of scouts, a group of friends, and a bigger youth group who all hiked in, it did not feel crowded or noisy."
What you should know
Bear activity levels: Bears regularly visit Allenspark Dispersed Camping, with one camper reporting, "A huge bear got into my tent while I was gone for 2 hours and absolutely destroyed it."
Road conditions: At Winiger Ridge, vehicle requirements change throughout the season. Graham S. warns, "Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power."
Special permits: Sawmill Hiker Campground requires free permits obtained in person from Jefferson County Open Space office with valid ID. Permits cannot be reserved online.
Site availability timing: Most primitive sites fill completely by Friday noon during summer months, with Thursday arrivals recommended for weekend camping.
Tips for camping with families
Best kid-friendly sites: Aspen Meadows Campground offers designated tent pads large enough for multiple family tents. Taylor L. mentions, "Tent pad was big enough to squeeze two 3-person tents and a 6-person tent (barely). Walking distance to vault toilets."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds have unique noise factors. At Dream Canyon, Sierra T. advises, "This is also a huge spot for recreation like climbing and fishing, so almost everyone we saw were there just for the afternoon and we had the dispersed camping areas almost all to ourself."
Safety planning: All dispersed sites lack emergency services. Maintain at least half tank of fuel for potential evacuations during summer thunderstorms, which can wash out roads quickly.
Temperature preparation: Overnight temperatures drop below 45°F even in July and August, requiring proper sleeping gear for children regardless of daytime heat.
Tips from RVers
Easiest RV access: Gordon Gulch offers pull-off sites suitable for smaller rigs in specific areas. One camper advises, "Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather."
Length restrictions: Most forest roads near Broomfield limit RV length to under 25 feet with few turnaround options. Trailer access is nearly impossible at many sites due to tight turns and steep grades.
Generator regulations: Most dispersed camping areas maintain strict quiet hours from 8 pm to 7 am, with generator use generally discouraged due to noise considerations in these natural settings.
